CHAPTER XVII.

Boulton’s action in commercial politics--His interview with Pitt--Agitation against Pitt’s commercial policy--The “Irish resolutions”--Watt on free commerce--Is opposed to political agitation--Combination against patents--Fluctuations in the business at Soho--Engine orders from various quarters--The Cornish copper-miners--The Copper Company formed, and Boulton’s part in it--Riots in Cornwall--Boulton’s life threatened--The esteem in which he was held in Cornwall--His intimacy with the Quakers--The Albion Mill scheme--The double-acting engines for the mill--Ill-success of the undertaking--Albion Mill burnt down--Demand for rotative engines--Want of skill and misconduct of workmen--Wedgwood’s advice to Watt--Speculativeness of Boulton--His embarrassments--Watt’s caution in investing--Boulton’s health fails--His depressed spirits--Generosity to Watt 342–366